Simon,
I have come across varied versions of standard test methods. My favourite is a major blue chip manufacturer. They have a particular building, with a particular second story window that a package has to be dropped (not thrown) out of. If the product remains undamaged this is classified as approved.
I am sure you can appreciate our designers love the challenge of this test.
Any way more technical versions.
FEFCO Test method no 51 - "Filled vertical Impact Testing by dropping" - I tried to attach PDF which includes the full test method but file size is too great (I will Email it to you shortly).
With respect to the film alternative (I personally spit at the idea) - Have a guess what industry I am from? There is a test method on the ISO website Quote
ISO 7965-2:1993, Sacks -- Drop test -- Part 2: Sacks made from thermoplastic flexible film. Specifies a method of vertical impact testing, the testing procedure and how the results of tests should be presented. It may be performed either as a single test to investigate the effects of vertical impact or as a part of a sequence of tests designed to measure the ability of a sack to withstand a distribution system that includes a vertical impact hazard. The principle of the method is raising the filled sack above a rigid surface and releasing to strike this surface after a free fall, the atmospheric conditions, the height of the drop and the position of the package being set in advance.
Obviously, I would recommend a standard approach being used for both types of material to ensure a fair comparison is made.
If there is a sales opportunity our Group Worldwide Research Centre based in France has superb facilities for transport testing, this however tends to be used for major projects. There is also PIRA who can help with testing studies.
Hope this info helps.
Kind regards
Richard
